Firecracker Chicken Bites – Crispy, juicy chicken bites tossed in a bold, sweet and spicy glaze—fiery, addictive, flavor-packed perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavor: The firecracker sauce balances heat and sweetness perfectly.
- Great for entertaining: Perfect finger food for parties, game days, and potlucks.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with simple pantry staples.
- Crispy and juicy: Lightly fried chicken stays tender while baking in the glaze.
- Versatile: Serve over rice, in wraps, or solo as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil, for frying
For the firecracker sauce:
- 1/3 cup buffalo-style hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and lightly grease it.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown (not fully cooked). Drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together hot sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Add browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour sauce over the top and toss to coat.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Serve hot with rice, roasted vegetables, or as a spicy appetizer.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Calories per serving: 410 kcal
Variations
- Extra spicy: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Milder version: Use a mild hot sauce or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce.
- Air fryer method: Lightly coat and air fry chicken pieces at 400°F for 10–12 minutes before baking in sauce.
- Chicken thighs: Substitute thighs for a juicier bite.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cornstarch and check your hot sauce label.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
Is the firecracker sauce really spicy?
It has a moderate heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by modifying the hot sauce or omitting the red pepper flakes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and fry the chicken pieces in advance. Bake just before serving for best texture.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, bake coated chicken at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until golden, then toss with the sauce and continue baking as directed.
What should I serve with firecracker chicken bites?
They pair well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or as a standalone appetizer.
Can I use store-bought chicken nuggets or popcorn chicken?
Yes, toss them in the homemade firecracker sauce and bake until heated through and coated.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Fried and sauced chicken can be frozen before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?
Fry until golden and avoid overcrowding the pan. Bake uncovered to help the sauce thicken and coat well.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish or two and bake in batches if needed.
What’s the best oil for frying the chicken?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Conclusion
Firecracker Chicken Bites are the ultimate blend of crispy texture and fiery flavor. Whether you’re craving something spicy for dinner or looking to impress guests with a sizzling appetizer, this easy-to-make dish checks every box. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your rotation for bold, crave-worthy meals.
More Bold & Flavorful Bites to Try
Looking to spice up your next gathering or game day snack table? Pair your Firecracker Chicken Bites with these sizzling crowd-pleasers:
- For a Tex-Mex twist, check out these gooey and hearty Savory Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents.
- Add some crunch to your platter with ultra-crispy Crispy Fried Pickles—a tangy, addicting sidekick.
- Craving more fiery flavors? These Spicy Chili Crisp Honey Glazed Wings bring a sweet-and-heat combo you’ll love.
- Load your plate with satisfying layers in the Layered Taco Casserole, ideal for a complete spicy meal.
- Keep the spice alive with Golden Chicken Chimichangas, crispy on the outside and bold on the inside.
Firecracker Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a bold sweet-and-spicy glaze, this firecracker chicken is a quick and flavorful way to spice up dinner or impress guests with a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup buffalo-style hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and lightly grease it.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown (do not cook through). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables, or as a spicy appetizer with toothpicks.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Pairs well with jasmine rice or a crisp vegetable slaw.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg